THORSON GOING INTERNATIONAL, JOINING ITALIAN LEAGUE FOLLOWING 2009 SEASON

Elgin, Ill. – Looking to extend her softball opportunities after the conclusion of the 2009 National Pro Fastpitch season in August, Chicago Bandits pitcher Kristina Thorson has reached a deal to play for the Fiorini Softball Club Forli – an Italian Pro Softball team – in an effort to bolster their pitching staff as the team moves into the playoffs in late August and mid September.

“It’s so much fun to play in Europe and I love playing in Italy,” said Thorson. The upcoming stint with Forli will be her second venture into European softball as she played for the Dorbirn Sharx in 2006.

“Going to Europe, you get to experience the different cultures, the different style of play, new people and they don’t really make any money so they’re truly playing for the love of the game over there. It’s inspiring.”

Thorson has been solid in the circle for the Bandits so far in 2009 with a 5-3 record in eight games started. She has struck out 30 batters on the year with a 2.82 ERA in 207 batters faced, and has earned one save.

“Usually you play a double header one day a week and then practice one day a week,” added Thorson. “So you really get to travel a lot and experience the countries.”

Details of Thorson’s contract were not immediately available, but Bandits’ fans need not worry however, as Thorson will not miss any of the remaining 2009 season and will be back to pitch for the black and orange in 2010.

“I’m just going to pitch for the playoffs, I get to travel, play in a new setting and hopefully learn some Italian,” said Thorson. “And go to Oktoberfest. I will be back next season for the Bandits, this is just a chance to play softball for a little longer this season.”

For more information about Kristina Thorson or the Chicago Bandits visit www.chicagobandits.com or call 877-722-6348.

#07/10/2009#

Replacing Jennie Finch, California dream-in come true

I hope you all had a chance to read the recent article about Jennie Finch and Kristina Thorson. I got the idea to write something up because while the Bandits were on the road, the mood in the front office was, 'now is the time to act,' about tickets, promotions, and other exciting things we were trying to finalize for our July series.

In the spirit of being proactive, I thought about what the Bandits as an organization can think about with regards to eventually replacing Jennie Finch when she retires whenever that may be. She has been an awesome part of softball and the Bandits, and I thought it would be interesting to talk about having a plan in place for a new face of the organization for the future. I had a really nice talk with Kristina Thorson who had great things to say about Jennie, and she talked about what the Bandits need to do to increase exposure about her and the team (and the sport!)

If you get a chance to come out to one of our upcoming games (July 5, July 15-19) in July, I know that she'd be more than willing to say hi and sign autographs after the game, alongside all of her fantastic teammates!


- Tim Miller - Bandits Media/Promos intern

*If you havent read the article yet, go here*